The 2011 class is stacked with talented running backs in the state of Texas. Many have already garnered quite a bit of attention including Cibolo Steele's Malcolm Brown, San Antonio Madison's Aaron Green, and Odessa's Bradley Marquez. Coaches from all over the country have made their way through Texas to get a first-hand look at these players, and you can add one more running back to the list of premier 2011 backs - Herschel Sims of Abilene.

Sims was in Austin with his Abilene relay team this past weekend and displayed his immense athleticism to the spectators at Mike A. Myers Stadium. The team competed in the 5A 4x200 meter relay Saturday afternoon, and Sims' performance as the team's anchor almost put the four runners on the podium. With some distance to make up on the last leg, Sims grabbed the baton and showed great speed as he brought the eagles back to a fifth place finish, less than a second away from the bronze medal.

Although the speedster was dedicated to his track teammates, he got the opportunity to participate in spring drills with the football team and feels good about the squad heading into next season.

"Spring was all track. But during spring football I got to do a few plays non-contact. I got to practice until we got to scrimmages," Sims said after running the 4x200 meter relay. "I feel real good about our team. We have a new O-line coming in, but we are still pretty good and have a lot of confidence in our young guys coming up. We have a good chance to continue with another district championship."

As a sophomore last season, Sims was able to contribute quite a bit to his team's success, picking up 628 yards rushing on 41 attempts (8.8 yards per carry), while also racking up 440 yards receiving on 25 receptions (17.6 yards per catch). Abilene finished 10-1, but the team ended the season with a disappointing early exit from the playoffs, despite a 98-yard receiving performance from Sims during the final contest.

Sims will not only be working hard with his teammates this summer to prepare for another promising season for the Abilene Eagles, but the powerful 5-foot-10, 180 pound back has plans to attend a few camps this summer as well, including a return trip to Austin next weekend.

"I've got a few camps coming up. I'm coming here to UT on the 14th, and that will be pretty fun. I know I'm going to one at Oklahoma. And then on the 19th, that's the [Texas Showcase] Combine. Those are the only three for sure."

Sims, who currently ranks No. 22 in the Lone Star Recruiting Top 100, has recently been hearing from Oklahoma and Texas Tech, but he is eager to get back to Austin and build a relationship with the UT staff.

"I'm really excited. [Texas] is one of my favorite colleges, I enjoy watching them. Their facilities here are great and I look forward to coming here."